Prologue: The Visitor

The late morning sun drenches the land of Tellius in its ray as a mysterious woman in a white and red kimono, straw sandals and Japanese-style hat wanders the snow-covered country side.

She arrives at a local village and lifts her head up to show her bright blue eyes, which go well with her somewhat deep tan complexion and short white hair with bangs covering a single eye. She smiles pleasantly from seeing the children at play.

As the woman enters the village, some of the locals stop talking to each other to take notice of the stranger, her clothing especially baffling them.

A hefty, middle-aged woman approaches the stranger and asks, "Greetings, miss. From where did you come from?"

"Hello." says the stranger in a pleasant tone. "I come from a faraway land."

"Obviously." says the woman. "We've never seen clothing like what you're wearing. I see you carry a sword and a bow. You must be a fighter."

"Indeed, I am." says the stranger. "I've come on a quest on behalf of my kingdom. I can't disclose any more than that."

"Very well." says the woman. "We all have our reasons."

"So, I assume I'm approaching the kingdom of Daein very soon, am I right?" asks the stranger.

"Yes. It's been very hectic for them." says the woman. "A group of young heroes called the Dawn Brigade just freed the country from the occupation of Begnion."

"I'm not too caught up with current events, so I'm glad you told me." says the stranger.

"Anyway, why don't you stay for a while?" asks the woman. "New faces are always welcome."

"I can't stay for too long." says the stranger. "I just need to refill on supplies like arrows and the like. But I guess I could give my feet a rest if it's not too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all." says the woman. "So, what's your name? I guess I should ask so we can get to know you better."

"Just call me Kasumi." says the stranger. "And it's a pleasure to be here."

After a while has passed, Kasumi leaves the shop, her quiver filled with arrows.

"So, are you leaving ma'am?" asks an old man.

"I'm afraid so." says Kasumi. "Believe it or not, I am on a quest, which I cannot disclose right now. Please pardon me for my rudeness."

"Oh, it's nothing to worry about." says the old man. "We're sure you have your own business. And it's wrong for us to keep you from it."

"Well, if anything, the food you serve here is delicious." says Kasumi. "That's the first time I've had bread or cheese."

"Really?" asks the old man giving a curious gaze.

"Yes." says Kasumi. "From where I come from, we mostly grow rice. As for any food made from wheat, we mainly turn that into noodles."

"Noodles? You mean like pasta?" asks the old man.

"I guess you could say it that way." says Kasumi. "Anyway, I can't stay here talking cuisine all day. I must be off."

"Well you be careful out there, miss." says the old man. "And watch out for bandits or any other unsavory characters."

"Bandits are the least of my problems, but I'll take your words to heart regardless." says Kasumi. "Anyway, you all be well. Maybe one day, I shall return."

"And we'll be looking forward to it." says the old man.

Kasumi gives a bow and then begins to walk off.

Later in the afternoon, Kasumi continues to move forward. Meanwhile, some bandits have gathered around a campfire.

"So, what do we do now?" asks a bandit. "With Pelleas as king, it's going to be tougher to rob from the people of Deain. I wish the Begnion Occupation Army was still around to make things better for us."

"Don't fret." says another bandit. "I'm pretty sure some fresh travelers will come this way. And then we'll jump 'em, like we're so use to doing."

"Speak of the devil, we've got one coming this way." says another bandit. "Check her out!"

All of the bandits arrive to see Kasumi walking down the road.

"Get a load of those clothes!" says a bandit. "Where in the world does she come from?"

"Who cares? She's ripe for the taking." says a bandit. "Question is should we sell her or keep her for ourselves? What do you think, Gallon?"

"We'll see if she's worth it." says a bandit looking more gruff than any of the others. "Alright, you louts! Let's go greet this woman and introduce her to the more harsh side of this land."

Kasumi continues to walk, but then stops all of a sudden as she says, "Trouble is coming."

Very soon, the same bandits surround Kasumi.

"Not so fast there, lady." says a bandit. "We run this territory here, and now, you don't get to cross unless you pay up a fee. Of course, we plan to take you for all you got regardless if you do agree."

"I figured you'd say something like that." says Kasumi. "You bandits are so predictable. It's not like my kingdom isn't full of them. Haven't you thugs ever wanted to do more meaningful things with your lives?"

"What could be more meaningful than the thrill of taking advantage of fools who don't know any better?" asks Gallon. "Life is tough, and we're here to prove that."

"Well then... I suppose in return, I must prove how tough life can be for a bandit when they don't know how to gauge an opponent's strength." says Kasumi. "And truth be told, I am trying to stay on the down low. I really don't wish to do this to you, but at the same time, I will not hesitate."

"Oh, you think so tough, don't ya', lady?" says Gallon. "Well then, if you don't willingly hand yourself over, we'll just have to lay a few bruises on that pretty face of yours."

"At least my face IS pretty compared to YOURS." says Kasumi with a smirk.

"Oh, that does it!" says Gallon angrily. "A beauty or not, you're going to learn to respect us! Boys! Don't give her any quarter!"

As the bandits all get their weapons ready, Kasumi sighs and says, "What is it with you mortals?"

"What did she say?" asks a bandit.

"Fine." says Kasumi taking hold of her scabbard. "Since I don't like taking my time with weaklings, I'll finish this fast. Don't worry, this will all be over in a second."

Just as she uses her thumb to flick her sword out of the scabbard partially, a burst of energy explodes from her. From another view, this energy explodes into a column of fiery orange light and the bandits scream in pain.

In Begnion, Sephiran goes wide-eyed with surprise.

"Wha-what was that?!" asks Sephiran.

"Master, is something the matter?" asks Zelgius as he approaches.

"I felt this... explosion of energy." says Sephiran. "It's an energy I thought to have been extinct a long time ago."

Zelgius puts on a stern look and asks, "Where did you feel it coming from?"

"I think it came from the eastern border of Daein." says Sephiran. "Zelgius, go check it out. Report back to me when you can."

"On my way." says Zelgius with a bow of his head before walking off.

Meanwhile, at Daein Keep, Micaiah also gets a sensation and says, "That power... what was that?"

"What is it, Micaiah?" asks Sothe.

"There was this surge of power." says Micaiah. "It felt different yet familiar at the same time."

"Where did you feel it coming from?" asks Sothe.

"Close to here." says Micaiah. "It was very close to Daein."

"That close, huh?" asks Sothe. "Let's go then."

"Are you sure, Sothe?" asks Micaiah. "It hasn't been long since I've been named general of Daein's army, so there's no telling when I'll be needed at Pelleas' side."

"Daein is still repairing from the Occupation Army's hold." says Sothe. "I think this should take precedence. No telling if it could be a new threat."

"Right." says Micaiah. "Gather the Dawn Brigade. We'll go check it out."

"Absolutely." says Sothe.

To Be Continued in Chapter 1.